Angel Delgadillo receives President’s Award for National Leadership in Historic Preservation

Ninety-six-year-old Angel Delgadillo traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive the President’s Award for National Leadership in Historic Preservation on Nov. 8 from the National Trust of Historic Preservation. According to a news release from the National Trust, Delgadillo's honor "recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional contributions to the field of preservation." It's … Continue reading Angel Delgadillo receives President’s Award for National Leadership in Historic Preservation

Glancy Motel in Clinton is torn down; fate of its sign remains unknown

The historic Glancy Motel along Route 66 in Clinton, Oklahoma, fell victim to the wrecking ball Tuesday to make way for a new Oklahoma Highway Patrol station. Here's a first look at the razing from the Discover Clinton Oklahoma page on Facebook: The motel's iconic sign, however, was not torn down. According to recent editions … Continue reading Glancy Motel in Clinton is torn down; fate of its sign remains unknown

Oklahoma Route 66 Association launches new membership for children

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is launching a new type of membership focused on engaging youth 8 to 18 years old, called the Route 66 Explorer’s Club. “Our hope is to inspire the next generation of roadies by encouraging more youth to explore Route 66,” Rhys Martin, president of the association, stated in a news … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association launches new membership for children

New Mexico Tourism requests $5M for Route 66 centennial without apparent input from state association

The New Mexico Tourism Department is requesting $5 million from the state legislature for Route 66's centennial in 2026, but a 12-member centennial coalition group apparently has no representation from the New Mexico Route 66 Association. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper first reported last month that the state Tourism Department appeared before the Legislative … Continue reading New Mexico Tourism requests $5M for Route 66 centennial without apparent input from state association

Neon sign at Webb City Florist is restored

The restoration of the historic neon sign for Webb City Florist in Webb City, Missouri, was unveiled during a ceremony last week hosted by the Route 66 Association of Missouri. Association President Rich Dinkela hosted a brief Facebook Live event from the night: Here are more images from the association: And here's an image from … Continue reading Neon sign at Webb City Florist is restored

Czech metal band performs “Route 66” in Joplin City Hall

A Czech metal band called Doga recently performed its song "Route 66" on a staircase of city hall in Joplin, Missouri. According to the Joplin Globe: There have been more than 1.2 million views of the band Doga and its song "Route 66," released last year on YouTube. The band performed the song on acoustic … Continue reading Czech metal band performs “Route 66” in Joplin City Hall

Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari

A group of volunteers and members of the New Mexico Route 66 Association began efforts Thursday and Friday to restore nail-damaged neon tubing on historic signs along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Among the signs worked on were TeePee Curios, Del's Restaurant, La Cita restaurant, Motel Safari and Loretta's Burrito Hut. Fast TV Network … Continue reading Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari

Road movie featuring Japanese Chindon-ya group will be shooting on Route 66 this month

A road film featuring Bentenya, a group of Chindon-ya performers from Japan, will be shooting on Route 66 starting Sept. 13. During their journey, the girls will meet people, introduce Japanese culture and perform Japanese and American music "as a new way of nurturing 150 years of Chin-don culture while on historic Route 66 in … Continue reading Road movie featuring Japanese Chindon-ya group will be shooting on Route 66 this month

Next round of Route 66 Black Experiences Grant Program announced

Applications for the next round of the Route 66 Black Experiences Grant Program, administered through the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, are being taken through Oct. 31. According to a news release from the partnership: The grant program is one of the first in a series of “birthday gifts" to be given to Route 66 in the years … Continue reading Next round of Route 66 Black Experiences Grant Program announced

Route 66 Motel in Kingman to be converted to an affordable housing complex

The Route 66 Motel in Kingman, Arizona, known far and wide by photographers for its neon sign with a sweeping arrow, soon will be converted into affordable housing for the homeless and poverty-stricken. According to KPNX-TV in Phoenix, Catholic Charities Communities Services Arizona announced it had obtained a $4.5 million grant funding to buy the motel … Continue reading Route 66 Motel in Kingman to be converted to an affordable housing complex